The closer you are to the center, the better your results will be. This is not always true when using jags or patches. There are a few good reasons to spike your patches away. This Creedmoor Sports Tech Tip will explain why you might want to spike your patch (puncture it) away from the middle. Click HERE to order Swab-Its bore cleaning tips and patches from Creedmoor Sports. You start to push your patch down the barrel, and you notice that it is very tight. Then it jams. How is this possible? What we call “Side Spiking” is a solution that is often overlooked to fix frustrating situations of patches that are too tight or jammed. Side-Spiking works and is easy! As the name suggests, “Side-Spiking” is moving your patch spiking from the center to the corner or edge of a patch. Moving From Center SpikingTo Side-Spiking
The patch will be looser when you push it down the bore if you spike the jag closer to the edge. Important: Do not go all the way to the edge of the patch. This will ensure that your jag is centered correctly in the bore, and that there will be no contact with the rifling. Proper Side-Spiking Location
Creedmoor Sports suggests side spiking for all wet patches. This allows for a larger patch in the bore, which removes the gross powder fouling. It also leaves more cleaning solution to work on the remaining fouling. If you need a tighter patch, move your spike toward the center. The closer you are to the center of your patch, the tighter it will be in the bore. You want a snug patch that will allow you to push your rod smoothly down the bore. You do not have to be in the middle of the patch. Bore-Tech’s Patch Size Chart Recommends Sizes for Calibers: